Author Archives: Jeff Palermo

12.18.23
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7:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards is holding his final end of the year press conference today at 3 PM. It’s the second to last public appearance as governor for Edwards. He’s been making the rounds discussing his two terms in office and has said expanding Medicaid coverage to thousands of Louisiana residents is his biggest accomplishment…
cut 11 (12) “…the country”
Arkansas is the only other state in the southeast with expanded Medicaid.

State Representative Randal Gaines of LaPlace is term limited, but is now seeking to be the next chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party. Gaines says he was recruited to run by several state and national officials…
Cut 13 (09) “…get people elected.”
Current Democratic Party chair, Katie Bernhardt, has been criticized for not energizing Democratic voters prior to the 2023 statewide elections.

Ochsner receives a million-dollar grant to help combat the opioid crisis in rural Louisiana. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

An Emu at Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in Monroe has died after it was attacked by two stray dogs. The City of Monroe says staff members at the zoo followed protocol and fatally shot the dogs. City spokesperson Emily Stogner says zoo staff members ensured the surrounding area was safe before firing shots.

12.18.23
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints defense got after New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito as New Orleans sacked him seven times and Black and Gold Quarterback Derek Carr threw three touchdown passes in a 24-6 victory. There were very few boos from the home crowd and Carr appreciated the love the fans showed…
Cut 18 (14) “…our team.”
The Saints are now 7-7 and tied with Tampa Bay for first place in the NFC South. New Orleans will visit the L-A Rams on Thursday night.

It was a raucous crowd inside the Legacy Center in Lake Charles as Will Wade and the McNeese Cowboys rallied from a 13-point deficit in the final ten minutes to beat U-L Lafayette 74 to 72 in front of a sold out crowd. The Pokes snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Cajuns.

The Ragin Cajuns football season ended Saturday with a 34-31 overtime loss to Jacksonville State in the New Orleans Bowl. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux says it was a tough way to end the season….
cut 20 (20) “….like this”
It’s the second straight year the Cajuns ended with a six-and seven record.

Grambling State is expected this morning to name former LSU assistant coach Mickey Joseph as the Tigers new head football coach. Joseph coached at LSU from 2017 to 2021 and left to be an assistant coach at Nebraska. A Sports Illustrated Report says Joseph is expected to name former Southern Coach Eric Dooley as his offensive coordinator.

The seventh ranked LSU Lady Tigers defeated Northwestern State 81-36 on Sunday.

12.18.23
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6:30 LRN Newscast

Democrat John Bel Edwards has 21 more days as Louisiana’s governor. Edwards says he’ll leave office knowing that his decision to expand the Medicaid program on his first day of the job was his biggest accomplishment. He says it’s cheaper for a person to be on Medicaid for 10 cents on the dollar as opposed to paying 40 cents on the dollar when they’re uninsured and get care…
Cut 10 (12) “…to do.”
Approximately a half-million Louisiana residents have Medicaid coverage as a result.

State health officials are doing what they can to control the opioid overdose crisis. Ochsner Lafayette General is using a one-million dollar grant from the federal government to comat opioid addiction and abuse in rural communities. Family doctor James McNally at Ochsner Health Center in Jennings says southwest Louisiana is a hot spot for opioid deaths…
cut 5 (08) “…the country”

State Representative Randal Gaines of Laplace is running to be the next chairperson of the Louisiana Democratic Party. Colleen Crain has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Katie Bernhardt is the current chairperson and has received criticism for the poor showing Democrats had in the 2023 state elections as turnout was low among Democratic voters.

12.17.23
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LRN AM Newscall December 18

Ochsner receives a million-dollar grant to help combat the opioid crisis in rural Louisiana. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Among Governor John Bel Edwards’ proudest accomplishments is Medicaid Expansion. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Term Limited Randal Gaines may be leaving the Louisiana Legislature but he isn’t leaving service to the Louisiana Democratic Party. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Ochsner Lafayette General is launching a million-dollar initiative to confront opioid addiction and abuse head-on in rural communities. Family Doctor James McNally at Ochsner Health Center in Jennings says the project provides critical resources to rural communities that lack services and focuses on…

Cut 4 (12) “…the future.”

The initiative funds preventative and educational programming expenses related to treatment and recovery support.

McNally says Louisiana recorded more than two thousand overdose deaths in 2021 and fentanyl is largely to blame. Among parishes, he says per capita, there are higher numbers of cases in southwest Louisiana.

Cut 5 (08) “…the country.”

More than two thousand Louisianans died from a drug-related overdose in 2021 nearly doubling the national average, according to the CDC. McNally says it’s vitally important to remove the stigma associated with opioid addiction.

Cut 6 (13) “…more people.”

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After an extremely hot and dry summer, mudbugs are starting to emerge in south Louisiana crawfish ponds. That’s according to LSU AgCenter Crawfish Specialist Todd Fontenot, who says the emergence started a few weeks later than normal, which could push back the crawfish season…

Cut 7 (09) “…their survival”

Fontenot says the intrusion of salt water into freshwater marshes and bayous has many crawfish farmers concerned…

Cut 8 (11) “…talked about” 

St. Landry Parish crawfish farmer Zack Herbert says crawfish supply will likely be a major issue in 2024…

Cut 9 (12)  “… industry-wide.”

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Among Governor John Bel Edwards’ proudest accomplishments in office is Medicaid expansion. He says it’s cheaper for a person to be on Medicaid for 10 cents on the dollar as opposed to paying 40 cents on the dollar when they’re uninsured and get care…

Cut 10 (12) “…to do.”

Approximately a half-million Louisiana residents have Medicaid coverage as a result.

Louisiana is also one of two states in the deep south that opted for Medicaid Expansion under the Affordability Care Act, and as a result Edwards’ says….

Cut 11 (12) “…the country.” 

Arkansas is the only other state in the southeast with expanded Medicaid.

While many hardline conservatives are against Medicaid expansion, Edwards, a pro-life Democrat, says allowing the working poor to have healthcare is a pro-life value.

Cut 12 (10) “…is pro-life.” 

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State Representative Randal Gaines of LaPlace is term limited, but is now seeking to be the next chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party. Gaines says he was recruited to run as many state and national officials reached out to him…

Cut 13 (09) “…get people elected.”

Gaines says, the Democrats represent a cross-section of Louisiana and he wants to assess what’s important to the people. He says the turn out in the last election shows leadership failed in its responsibility to reach the people and convey the party’s message and identity.

Cut 14 (12) “…we represent.” 

Gaines says he has support of business and faith-based leaders. He seeks to replace the current Democratic Chair, Katie Bernhardt. Gaines says hhe recently shared a positive message with Edwards…

Cut 15 (05) “…the Deep South.”

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The Saints put together one of their better performances of the season as the Black and Gold defeated the New York Giants 24-6. New Orleans held the Giants to 193 total yards and the offense converted on both of its red zone opportunities. Coach Dennis Allen says it was great complimentary..

 Cut 16 (15) “…our team”

Unprovoked, Allen said it was a good game from quarterback Derek Carr, who has received a bunch of criticism from the fan base.

Cut 17 (15) “….played well” 

Carr threw for 218 yards and three touchdowns. There were very few boos from the home crowd in this game and he appreciated the love the fans showed…

Cut 18 (14)  “…our team.” 

The Saints are now 7-7 and tied with Tampa Bay for first place in the NFC South. New Orleans will visit the L-A Rams on Thursday night.

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For the second straight year, the Ragin Cajuns lost their bowl game, and finish with a losing record of 6-7. Despite scoring three defensive touchdowns, Jacksonville State beat U-L Lafayette 34-31 in overtime in the New Orleans Bowl. Cajuns coach Michael Desormeaux’s offense only had 247 yards of offense…

Cut 19 (18) “…with me” 

Desormeaux says it was a tough way to end the season…

Cut 20 (20) “…like this”

12.16.23
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7:30 LRN Sportscast

The transfer portal is starting to pop for the LSU Tigers as they’ve received commitmemts from two Louisiana natives who were playing at other SEC schools. Former John Ehret star Zavion Thomas has committed to LSU. He caught 40 passes for 503 yards and a touchdown for Mississippi State in 2023 and he’s also a returner.

Also committing to LSU, Safety Jardin Gilbert, who played at Texas A-and-M the last three seasons. Had nearly 80 tackles and two interceptions during his career with the Aggies. His commitment may have forced LSU’s Sage Ryan to enter the transfer portal. Ryan started nine games at cornerback for the Tigers last season and had 35 tackles and three passes break up.

Today at 1:15, the Ragin Cajuns host Jacksonville State in the New Orleans Bowl. At the Independence Bowl in Shreveport tonight, Texas Tech will battle Cal.

Sunday, the Saints will host the Giants. New Orleans receiver Chris Olvave a game time decision with an ankle injury.

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The Pelicans won their third straight last night as they defeated Charlotte 112 to 107. Big night from Jonas Valanciunas who scored 29 points and had 13 rebounds. Zion Williamson also had a double-double, 21 points and 11 rebounds and C-J McCollum had 19. New Orleans will finish a three-game road trip on Sunday against San Antonio.

The LSU Tigers are in Houston this morning to take on 19th ranked Texas. Jalen Cooks will make his season debut as an agreement has been reached between the NCAA and the courts over the eligibility of players who have transferred multiple times.

In other today…Louisiana Tech is at St. Louis. The Bulldogs are trying to improve to 10-2. And on Sunday in Lake Charles, McNeese hosts the Ragin Cajuns. Only a few hundred tickets are left for this game and Cowboys Coach Will Wade and Cajuns Coach Bob Marlin are not the best of freiends. So it should be a spicy game at 3 PM. The Pokes are on a four-game winning streak, U-L is 0-3 on the road.

12.15.23
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU received its first major commitment from a player in the transfer portal as safety Jardin Gilbert announced he’s committed to playing for the Tigers next season. Gilbert appeared in 23 games for Texas A-and-M and had 79 tackles and two interceptions. He’s from Baton Rouge and played his high school football at University High. But Sage Ryan, who started nine games in 2023 for the Tigers, has entered the transfer portal. The former Lafayette Christian star had 35 tackles at cornerback.

The Ragin Cajuns will face Jacksonville State in tomorrow’s R-and-L Carriers New Orleans Bowl. Kick-off is set for 1:15. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux says his team has been preparing to play a good team, one that has won 17 games over the last two seasons…
Cut 19 (14) “…moving forward.”

The Saints will host the surging New York Giants on Sunday. The G-Men may have found something in 25-year-old rookie quarterback Tommy Devito. He’s led New York to three straight victories. New Orleans linebacker Demario Davis on Devito…
cut 16 (11) “…his legs”
Kick-off Sunday is at noon.

Wide receiver Malik Nabers is 22 yards away from breaking Josh Reed’s record for all-time receiving yards at LSU. Nabers may play in the bowl game, just to break the record. Draft analyst and WWL’s Mike Detillier expects Nabers will be the second wideout selected in the NFL draft, after Marvin Harrison Junior. Detillier says Nabers has the goods…
cut 17 (11) “…top ten pick”

12.15.23
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LRN PM Newscall December 15

Number one-ranked Ochsner Children’s Hospital will build a new 343 thousand square foot facility thanks to a historic donation from New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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North Louisiana mayors are excited about the possibility of passenger rail service along the I-20 corridor. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Ochsner Children’s Hospital is building a new 343 thousand square foot facility with a large donation from New Orleans Saints Owner Gayle Benson. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Butch Adolph says this will help advance the growing need to help children throughout the region.

Cut 3 (13) “…one facility.”

The donation will come from the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation, a private foundation founded in 2007 to make a positive impact.

Adolph says the new five-story structure helps continue to grow its pediatrics program and treat critical conditions such as pediatric heart and liver transplants. He says the placement of departments is easily accessible to speed up time-sensitive procedures.

Cut 4 (12) “…bigger capacity.”

The new pediatric cardiovascular unit will expand from 12 to 20 beds. The 14-bed intensive care unit will expand to 20 beds.

Ranked the number one hospital for kids in Louisiana, the current hospital cares for more than 100 thousand children every year. Adolph says a new facility will help meet the needs of more families who want their children to receive care at Ochsner…

Cut 5 (06) “ …bit faster.”  

Ochsner Medical Center-New Orleans expects to break ground around the summer of 2024 and open its doors in late 2027.

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The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says over the past five Christmas holidays in Louisiana 26 people were killed and 452 injured in vehicle crashes involving alcohol.

Cut 6 (05) “…any means.”

Fischer says the annual campaign is making a difference. According to the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety at LSU for every 1,000 hours of impaired driver patrol, there are four fewer fatalities…

Cut 7 (06) “…fewer fatalities.” 

In 2021, more than 40 percent of vehicle crashes in the state were alcohol-related and the number of fatalities that year was 299.

With more parties this time of year there are more impaired drivers on the road, especially at night. And Fischer says for some because the holidays can be difficult…

Cut 8 (09) “…on the road.” 

The LHSC helps pay for overtime so more law enforcement officers can stop impaired drivers. The campaign runs through New Year’s Day.

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There’s been plenty of speculation about a special session before the regular one to address the state’s property insurance crisis next year. But at a recent NOLA-dot-com town hall meeting, Insurance Commissioner-elect Tim Temple says it’s highly unlikely…

Cut 9 (11) “…timing issue.” 

But if and when one is called, Temple says he’ll push to get legislation introduced. He says he’s focusing on bringing property owners immediate premium relief. But stresses he’s not suggesting mandates for premium changes, because that only drives carriers away.

Cut 10 (12) “…availability.”

After the 2020 and 2021 hurricane seasons, with 800-thousand claims and $23 billion in property loss Temple says we have to acknowledge the industry was stressed and twelve companies went insolvent.

An incentive program to incite new carriers to come to the state went into effect earlier this year. Temple unfortunately says property owners won’t see the benefits immediately…

Cut 11 (09) “…to change.”

When Temple’s lone opponent withdrew from the election in the fall, Temple was named commissioner-elect. He says he’s using the extra time to meet with decision-makers so he can hit the ground running on January 8th.

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An important step has occurred in bringing passenger rail service to north Louisiana. The Federal Railroad Administration has awarded a 500-thousand dollar planning grant to the Southern Rail Commission. Commissioner Knox Ross says this money will determine what’s needed to bring passenger rail service to the I-20 Corridor…

Cut 12 (06)  “..want to be.”  

The proposed rail line would connect Dallas-Fort Worth to Atlanta, with stops in Shreveport, Ruston, Monroe and Vicksburg, Mississippi. Ross says passenger rail service would bring economic development to these cities, especially their downtown areas…

Cut 13 (12) “…all about” 

The mayors of Shreveport, Ruston and Monroe were in attendance for the announcement. The press conference was held in downtown Monroe. Mayor Friday Ellis spoke of at the site of a proposed train station…

Cut  14 (13) “..every day”

Officials say now is the time to build an I-20 passenger line with millions of dollars available as a result of the 2021  federal infrastructure law.

12.15.23
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6:45 LRN Sportscast

The college bowl season gets underway tomorrow and two of the games are in Louisiana. At 1:15 tomorrow afternoon, the Ragin Cajuns face Jacksonville State in the New Orleans Bowl. Motivation is a big factor in who wins bowl games, and Coach Michael Desormeaux says his guys should be excited to play….
cut 20 (13) “….problem”
This is the Cajuns seventh appearance in the New Orleans Bowl and they are five and one.

And tomorrow night, it’s the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport between Texas Tech and California. The Red Raiders are three point favorites and they have one of the better running backs in the country. Senior Tajh Brooks has rushed for 14-hundred yards and nine TDs.

LSU defensive tackle Fitzgerald West has entered the transfer portal. The former Lafayette Christian star has appeared in seven games over the last two seasons.

Saints receiver Chris Olave missed his second straight practice yesterday as New Orleans gets ready to host the New York Giants on Sunday. Olave is nursing an ankle injury. He’s the team’s leading receiver with 72 catches for 918 yards and four touchdowns.

LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Junior has one more year of eligibility left but there’s a good chance he declares for the NFL draft after catching 60 passes for 1,079 yards and 15 touchdowns. Draft analyst and WWL’s Mike Detillier says Thomas could be a first round pick, selected somewhere between 18 and 22…
cut 18 (18) “…with it”

In college hoops…ULM lost last night to Lamar 97-73. The Warhawks fall to 4-and-5 overall.

12.14.23
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The SEC has released LSU’s 2024 football schedule and there’s the potential for some big time matchups for Tiger Stadium’s 100th season. Jeff Palermo has more…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Pelicans scored a season high 142 points last night in a 142-122 win over the Washington Wizards. Brandon Ingram had 40 points and Trey Murphy had 27 points. Coach Willie Green…
cut 17 (05) “…our team”
The Pels are at Charlotte tomorrow.

Heading into Week 15 tonight, the Saints are 6-7 and in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC South. It’s been an up and down year for the Black and Gold, but quarterback Derek Carr says they’ve got four more games to get on a roll…
cut 18 (14) “….win here”
There’s a chance the Saints will get back injured players Taysom Hill and Rashid Shaheed for Sunday’s game against the Giants. But receiver Chris Olave has missed the last two days of practice with an ankle injury.

Last night in college basketball…LSU defeated Alabama State 74-56 as Mike Williams had 15 points. The Cajuns won their 19th straight home game, beating Eastern Kentucky 73-62, McNeese over Southern Miss 67-48. The Cajuns are at McNeese on Sunday. ULM visits Lamar tonight.

12.14.23
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LRN PM Newscall December 14

The future LIVE! Casino & Hotel in Shreveport-Bossier market is one step closer to opening in 2025. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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The SEC has released LSU’s 2024 football schedule and there’s the potential for some big time matchups for Tiger Stadium’s 100th season. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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The Cordish Companies has broken ground on the $270 million LIVE! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. The casino will be built on the site of the former Diamond Jacks casino. Principal of the Cordish Companies Jon Cordish says the LIVE! Casino will be the first land-based in northwest Louisiana.

Cut 3 (12) “…entertainment attraction.”

The newly renovated casino will feature 47 thousand square feet of gaming space, an upscale hotel, and first-class dining and entertainment venues. President of Cordish Gaming Group Rob Norton says the casino will create 750 permanent jobs and generate over $200 million in economic benefits.

Cut 4 (12) “…of time.”

While LIVE! is committed to philanthropy among non-profits in the community, Bossier City Mayor Thomas Chandler believes the company will set a new standard in the tri-state area.

Cut 5 (12) “ …and region.”  

The property is located across from Shreveport with easy access from Texas and Arkansas. The project is expected to be complete by late 2025.

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On this last radio call in the show “Ask the Governor,” Governor John Bel Edwards talked about his plans for the future and traditions he along with other Louisiana governors have participated in before leaving office. Among them is literally leaving his mark…

Cut 6 (09) “…as well.”

Another tradition recognized by outgoing presidents is a handwritten personal letter for your successor.

Cut 7 (05) “…I depart.” 

The state constitution only allows a governor to hold office for two consecutive terms. Edwards said he would have run for office again if he could have and even though he and Governor-elect Jeff Landry don’t always agree politically and are members of opposing political parties…

Cut 8 (13) “…8 years from now.” 

Edwards and First Lady Donna Edwards will become grandparents for the first time next month.

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LSU’s 2024 football schedule is out and it features several potential Top ten matchups in Tiger Stadium. Assistant Tiger Rag Editor William Weathers says there’s also an interesting non-conference tilt against UCLA, plus Oklahoma makes its first ever appearance in Tiger Stadium….

Cut 9 (07) “…right there” 

The SEC goes to 16 teams next year as Texas and Oklahoma joins the conference. The league is also getting rid of divisional play. Weathers says the 2024 schedule look different with South Carolina, Vanderbilt and Oklahoma on it, but not Auburn and Mississippi State

Cut 10 (07) “…around.”

LSU will have back-to-back road games in October against Arkansas and Texas A-and-M. Weathers says in November, LSU has a tough slate of games against Alabama, Florida, Vanderbilt and Oklahoma…

Cut 11 (06) “…hands full.”

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The Advocate Washington Bureau Chief Mark Ballard believes the vote along party lines for an impeachment inquiry of President Biden is merely pressure from far-right conservatives on Speaker Mike Johnson.

Cut 12 (11)  “..Ukraine funded.”  

The vote allows for an investigation to see if the President profited or was involved in any illegal business dealings with his son Hunter Biden. But Ballard points out that an actual impeachment is highly unlikely because there won’t be enough votes Congress convenes.

Cut 13 (09) “…uncovered”